Overcoming Obstacles: University of Vermont Students Recognized for Entrepreneurial Success

In 2022, a group of University of Vermont students in Burlington received recognition for creating a local start-up company called Painting with Purpose. The company was founded by Zach Dunn with the support of UVM’s Catamount Innovation Fund, with the goal of addressing the shortage of trades in the area. Two years later, Dunn’s team won the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, a new competition launched by UVM’s Grossman School of Business.

Dunn explained that starting a business can be challenging, especially when navigating factors like pricing in a changing economic environment. He emphasized starting small, keeping things simple, and leveraging personal connections for assistance. Painting with Purpose offers a range of services including residential and commercial painting, lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry. A portion of their profits is donated to Tim’s House, a shelter in St. Albans.

According to UVM business professor Erik Monsen, programs like this are vital for Vermont’s workforce development. He highlighted the importance of teaching students not only technical skills but also the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Dunn and his team expressed their gratitude for the recognition, describing the experience as surreal and motivating them to continue their work as they strive to make a positive impact in the community.